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Martinez Unified board places superintendent on paid administrative leave, names acting superintendent
Summary
At a special April 20 meeting the Martinez Unified School District Board voted 3-2 in closed session to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave effective immediately and named Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Janelle Iatt as acting superintendent until further notice. Two board members said they opposed the action, citing procedural and transparency concerns.
At a special meeting on April 20, 2026, the Martinez Unified School District Board of Education voted 3-2 in closed session to place the district superintendent on paid administrative leave effective immediately and to designate Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services Janelle Iatt as acting superintendent until further notice. The chair reported the action and said the motion was made by Logan Campbell and seconded by Brenda Leal.
The decision was announced after the board adjourned to closed session. The chair reported the vote tally as three in favor and two opposed and identified board members Courtney Masala O'Brien and Annie Horak Martin as dissenting.
One board member who voted no explained their opposition: "I just wanna say why I voted no. I think that, the process for this was wrong and that there really wasn't a process, which is wrong. It was not transparent and I don't think it's in the best interest of the district." Another board member elaborated on their reasons: "For the past 5 years on this board, I have had a simple litmus test. Does this decision feel right, moral, and in the best interest of the district? Will I be able to sleep tonight feeling I made the best choice? A yes in this case did not pass that test for me, which is why I voted no. When good governance is taking place, decisions are made with care and all outcomes are carefully considered. This did not happen today." Both comments were given after the chair reported the closed-session action.
The board did not provide further details about the reasons for placing the superintendent on leave during the public report out, and no public comments were heard before the board adjourned to closed session. The chair said the acting appointment of Janelle Iatt will continue "until further notice." The meeting then was adjourned.
No additional procedural steps, hearing dates, or timelines for return were stated at the meeting.
